11/18/2019 |
William |
King |
MA Resident & Voter |
West Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
We do not need the Transportation and Climate Initiative in MA. It amounts to a carbon tax at the wholesale level and ultimately another tax
on gas and diesel. Taxes are already too high,... read more We do not need the Transportation and Climate Initiative in MA. It amounts to a carbon tax at the wholesale level and ultimately another tax
on gas and diesel. Taxes are already too high, we do not need to add more. Such an initiative needs to be voted by the State legislature, it should not be implemented by the Executive branch or other means. CA is losing business and residents because of excessive regulation and taxes. We do not need gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon or higher car prices, etc. |
- |
1/16/2020 |
terry |
king |
bard college |
MA |
Massachusetts |
low carbon transportation is mandatory low carbon transportation is mandatory |
- |
2/25/2020 |
Dawn |
King |
Brown |
Providence |
Rhode Island |
I support TCI because I want cleaner and quicker public transportation. I use public transportation frequently, and know that many people rely on it to travel to work. We need a faster, cleaner... read more I support TCI because I want cleaner and quicker public transportation. I use public transportation frequently, and know that many people rely on it to travel to work. We need a faster, cleaner, regional transportation system! |
- |
5/18/2020 |
Angela |
King |
Bicycle Coalition of Maine |
Portland |
Maine |
It was brought to my attention that TCI has marginalized the importance of creating more bike/ped infrastructure. I received this excerpt from your report: "Due to the physical exertion and... read more It was brought to my attention that TCI has marginalized the importance of creating more bike/ped infrastructure. I received this excerpt from your report: "Due to the physical exertion and relatively slow pace, bicycle and pedestrian trips tend to be short in length (on average, not more than five miles for the former, and two miles for the latter) (EPA, 2011), meaning that these modes are unlikely to be viable substitutes for trips between more distant locales, no matter what measures are put in place to encourage their use. It has also been found that walking, in particular, is more likely to be used for recreation, rather than as a commuting option for workers (EPA 2011)." This does not take into consideration what has been proven in places that have good bicycle infrastructure. People will choose to bicycle even long distances if they feel safe and comfortable on the roads. Copenhagen is one example where the bike ways they made have increased the distance people will commute. This is an environmental as well as a public health issue. Obesity in the U.S. is a problem, and highlighted at this time when obesity is making Americans more susceptible to Covid-19. Please change your position and reasoning on bike/ped infrastructure so that more people and groups will support TCI. The more travel by human power the better for the health of the environment and people. And while electric cars may eventually help, currently only 18% of U.S. electricity is from renewable sources, the rest is from fossil fuels and nuclear energy. |
- |
11/13/2020 |
William |
King |
Planning Board |
North Brookfield |
Massachusetts |
This initiative has increased taxes written all over it. If one switches to hybrid and electric vehicles, where do the batteries get charged? If fossil fuel is to be replaced, there is not enough... read more This initiative has increased taxes written all over it. If one switches to hybrid and electric vehicles, where do the batteries get charged? If fossil fuel is to be replaced, there is not enough wind, solar and hydro to replace it, even in 30 years. Nuclear energy needs to be revisited. I have read where there is little if any wasted uranium with the new technology and water cooling has also changed. Why isn't nuclear power being discussed as an energy source? This initiative is very socialistic and makes government bigger and more costly. People that live in rural areas do not need or require all the transportation services of the city. Many are willing to make the services trade off for a rural lifestyle. Careful study of the costs and benefits of this proposal are called for. Thank you. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Brigitte |
Kingsbury |
- None - |
CAPE ELIZABETH |
Maine |
Re: TCI.
it is clear here in Maine that our outdated transportation system is the state's largest source of climate pollution. Furthermore, it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine... read more Re: TCI.
it is clear here in Maine that our outdated transportation system is the state's largest source of climate pollution. Furthermore, it doesn’t even meet the needs of Maine people. We deserve clean, modern, affordable transportation options that deliver economic, health, and climate benefits to local communities.
We must make bold changes now!
Please consider working with the TCI model. Our neighboring states have seen that this is a workable solution to our state's transportation issues.
Thank you.
|
- |
2/25/2020 |
Jonathan |
Kinnersley |
Independent |
Brattleboro |
Vermont |
Please be forward thinking and adopt measures now which will build a better future.
It is better to invest NOW, to bring us on to a path to a more sustainable future, than to have to pay... read more Please be forward thinking and adopt measures now which will build a better future.
It is better to invest NOW, to bring us on to a path to a more sustainable future, than to have to pay an even bigger bill in the future to try and repair a past filled with inaction. |
- |
12/18/2019 |
Heidi |
Kinney |
Private Individual |
Dexter |
Maine |
The Transportation Climate Initiative will affect individuals in rural areas. I am one of those individuals who commutes to work 52 miles one way. This program will adversely affect myself as... read more The Transportation Climate Initiative will affect individuals in rural areas. I am one of those individuals who commutes to work 52 miles one way. This program will adversely affect myself as well as many other individuals. Please reconsider implementing this program. Electric vehicles are not an option in rural Maine, because of limited access to charging stations. |
- |
2/10/2020 |
George |
Kirby |
Na |
Lakeville |
Massachusetts |
I think Massachusetts is becoming a socialist nightmare. We already get taxed far too much and for what?! Not our infrastructure, our roads are all trash, pot holes so deep they’re mess your car... read more I think Massachusetts is becoming a socialist nightmare. We already get taxed far too much and for what?! Not our infrastructure, our roads are all trash, pot holes so deep they’re mess your car up and you’ll fail the almighty MA vehicle inspection! There’s some more fees for the citizen to pay so the governor can give himself a huge raise and the DA and rob us of our 2A rights. Every year you people steal more and more freedom from us. You all make me sick. Those who trade freedom for security deserve neither. Wake up |
- |
2/12/2020 |
Constance |
Kirk |
Owner-K Electric Inc. |
Warwick |
Rhode Island |
As a Rhode Island business owner and resident I completely disagree with this "tax" as a terrible added financial burden in one the worst business friendly states in the entire country... read more As a Rhode Island business owner and resident I completely disagree with this "tax" as a terrible added financial burden in one the worst business friendly states in the entire country. Additionally, I personally will join and and all organizations I feel will assist me in fighting passage of this burdensome tax. |
- |
11/5/2019 |
Barbara |
Kiss |
General Motors |
Detroit |
Michigan |
|
TCI_GMComment_FINAL 1.pdf |
2/21/2020 |
Richard |
Kite |
None |
Washington |
District of Columbia |
“…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other... read more “…design a regional low-carbon transportation policy proposal that would cap and reduce carbon emissions from the combustion of transportation fuels through a cap-and-invest program or other pricing mechanism… [and]… to complete the policy development process within one year, after which each jurisdiction will decide whether to adopt and implement the policy.”
|
- |
1/16/2020 |
Thomas |
Klein |
Resident & business executive |
Cambridge |
Massachusetts |
As a technology entrepreneur, business executive, and longtime MA resident, I support a strong plan to improve and expand public transportation. The lack thereof impedes access to employees and,... read more As a technology entrepreneur, business executive, and longtime MA resident, I support a strong plan to improve and expand public transportation. The lack thereof impedes access to employees and, therefore, economic growth. The negative environmental impact of carbon-based transportation also paints a grim picture of the future, both for my family and our country. |
- |
2/24/2020 |
Rick |
Klein |
Voter |
Panton |
Vermont |
Please support the TCI and support for low income Vermonters. Please support the TCI and support for low income Vermonters. |
- |
2/28/2020 |
Rick |
Klein |
Voter |
Panton |
Vermont |
Please support TIC. It's not all we need but it is a good first step in mitigating climate crisis. read more Please support TIC. It's not all we need but it is a good first step in mitigating climate crisis. |
- |
5/24/2019 |
Jennifer |
Kleindienst |
Citizens' Climate Lobby |
Middletown |
Connecticut |
My name is Jennifer Kleindienst, a resident of Middletown, CT, a community activist, and volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I believe that climate change is the most important issue of... read more My name is Jennifer Kleindienst, a resident of Middletown, CT, a community activist, and volunteer with Citizens' Climate Lobby. I believe that climate change is the most important issue of our planet, country, and region, and that we must do all we can to reduce its effects and mitigate its impacts. As transportation accounts for the largest portion of greenhouse gas emissions nationally and locally, developing a strong transportation and climate initiative is essential.
When developing this policy, I make two strong requests to improve effectiveness and equity:
1. The price on carbon must be high enough to effectively reduce emissions according to the latest available scientific projections.
2. The policy must include a strong component of social equity so that it does not disproportionately negatively impact rural residents or low/moderate income people.
I am grateful that this process is bipartisan - this is essential to making the initiative have lasting effectiveness.
Thank you for welcoming public comment and I look forward to seeing the finalized strong policy. |
- |
10/12/2020 |
Jennifer |
Kleindienst |
Self |
Middletown |
Connecticut |
CT STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON OCTOBER 1, 2019
FRAMEWORK FOR A DRAFT REGIONAL POLICY PROPOSAL
October 12, 2020
Dear Transportation Climate Initiative Regional Policy... read more CT STAKEHOLDER INPUT ON OCTOBER 1, 2019
FRAMEWORK FOR A DRAFT REGIONAL POLICY PROPOSAL
October 12, 2020
Dear Transportation Climate Initiative Regional Policy Workgroup,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on the “Framework for a Draft Regional Policy Proposal” released on October 1, 2019. I support a regional policy to reduce transportation pollution and believe robust and meaningful public input into both the regional and state decision-making on the Transportation and Climate Initiative (TCI) is necessary to ensure a just and equitable policy design for Connecticut. I offer feedback on the proposal’s sections below.
Our current transportation system in Connecticut and throughout the Northeast is inequitable, prioritizing car ownership and ridership over all other forms of transportation. This has, in turn, created pollution of many kinds and has resulted in transportation as the largest sector of greenhouse gas emissions.
Equity advisory committees
These committees are necessary to ensure accountability at all levels. It is essential that these committees have true decision-making power and include members from the relevant communities. To ensure participation from underserved and impacted communities, financial compensation for attending should be provided.
Dedicated investments for disproportionately impacted communities
At least 35% of investments, and ideally more than 50%, must be in disproportionately impacted communities to adequately address racial and economic justice issues. Antiracist discrimination, that is discriminating against people who are White in favor of Black and Latinx, is needed to make TCI an antiracist policy. More money must go to communities long left out of investment decisions to create equity. The Center for Latino Progress’s 2019 survey on TCI further indicates high support (82%) for prioritization of equity and environmental justice in investments, with 67% also supporting a dedicated percentage of investments going to address disproportionately impacted communities.
Air quality monitoring as complementary policy
Air quality monitoring is a necessary first step, but is the bare minimum needed. California’s model is a precedent for Connecticut, setting air quality improvement targets and strategies in individual communities and, through grants, empowers community organizations to facilitate this process. Because air quality is often worst in low-income communities and those with high percentages of Black and Latinx residents, the MOU should commit to lowering pollution in these communities.
Workforce training and employment
Creating good jobs in environmentally beneficial sectors is one of the most promising aspects of TCI. It is essential that strong labor standards are upheld and that job preference is given to those in environmental justice communities. Especially in this current age of COVID, well-paying and stable jobs are in short supply; TCI opens opportunities for high-quality jobs. TCI can and should also encourage apprenticeship and training programs.
Sincerely,
Jennifer G. Kleindienst
241 West St.
Middletown, CT 06457 |
2020 10 TCI Feedback.docx |
11/16/2019 |
PAUL |
KLEINWALD |
Tax paying citizen |
Great Barrington |
Massachusetts |
Stopping pollution is a great idea. Attempting to interfere with climate change is beyond pitiful human endeavor.
Twelve thousand years ago North Africa including Egypt was lush... read more Stopping pollution is a great idea. Attempting to interfere with climate change is beyond pitiful human endeavor.
Twelve thousand years ago North Africa including Egypt was lush with vegetation and rainfall. The populations at that time were tiny compared to modern day. The people of the time did not cause the climate to change any more than people do now. The totality of human efforts have minuscule effect compared to the forces of the solar system.
Government officials never saw a tax or a regulation they did not want to grab. You waste the sweat of the people on folly. This is but another example of your folly and righteous lust. I object and call you out for what you are, intellectual idiots. |
- |
1/16/2020 |
Meryl |
Klieger |
Medford Friends Meeting (Quaker) |
Haddenfield |
New Jersey |
I am happy to add my name in support of this effort to control CO2 emissions, protect our health and preserve the planet for those who follow us. The recognition of the importance of soclal... read more I am happy to add my name in support of this effort to control CO2 emissions, protect our health and preserve the planet for those who follow us. The recognition of the importance of soclal justice as an integral part of this plan is crucial. |
- |
2/21/2020 |
Norma |
Kline |
Retired |
Meadville |
Pennsylvania |
To address the climate crisis a plan is needed that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including: ... read more To address the climate crisis a plan is needed that holds large transportation polluters accountable for the pollution they create and invests in clean transportation solutions including:
1) More public transit and electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas
2) Expansion of commuter rail, electric vehicles, and streets in the suburbs that are safe, walkable, and bikeable
3) Sustainable and equitable housing near transit and electric bus fleets in urban communities
4) Restoration of vehicle mileage standards established by the Obama administration that still in place in California
5) Installation of electric vehicle charging stations on federal highways and state-owned roads
6) Stop paying hundreds of billions of dollars in subsidies or tax breaks to oil and gas companies and use those federal funds to create/expand clean
transportation solutions.
|
- |